Noe Valley Restaurants

Rustic Italian cuisine takes root on California soil, and shines with a perfect balance of Old World charm and contemporary sophistication. Every aspect of the dining experience Incanto offers is a thoughtful expression of bettering the meal for all involved. The water is filtered and carbonated in-house, and the produce and meats used are sustainably grown and harvested. Also, “odd cuts” of meat are highlighted on the menu to both invigorate the palate and honor the animal. The Warm Pig’s Head Salad is sure to intrigue diners, while the Whole Roasted Local Sardines is a tantalizing prospect, indeed.

Taste another side of Italy at La Ciccia, where the flavors of the island of Sardinia take center stage. Husband and wife team, Massimiliano Conti and Lorella Degan, introduce patrons to the tastes of their home land, and retain authentic cooking styles and ingredients. The Fregua cun Cozzasa e Zaffaranu is a fregula with mussels in a tomato sauce with San Gavino saffron, and the Pezza de Angioni cun Tuvara is a seared lamb tenderloin with mushrooms. Over a quarter of the Italian-centric wine list is devoted exclusively to Sardinia labels, and the earthy tones of the drink selections only …

Catering to diners’ many tastes, appetites, and personalities, Le Zinc offers a menu and setting fit for a true Parisian retreat. Diners can prop their elbows against the zinc bar and enjoy a light snack and fine glass of wine, or settle in at a table for a long and leisurely meal. They can also catch up with friends, or make new ones, on the sun-lit patio. Come in for brunch and try the Crepes Au Chocolat; nibble on tapas selections like the Foie Gras de Canard; indulge in the evening with the Cassoulet Au Confit (duck leg confit).